Each month, we have a fire drill. It is important for the children and staff to practice exiting the building safely. Some children don't like the fire drill initially because of the volume of the smoke alarms. Practicing helps eliminate fear of what to do in case of a fire. I am very proud of our children as they are calm, follow their teachers and exit in a quick, safe manor.
Today was especially exciting as every three months we practice a severe weather drill. In the words of one kinder friend, it was a "severe wedding drill". The children practice exiting their classrooms and move...

With the holidays just around the corner, we are focused on rhythm and routine to bring calm to an otherwise busy and sometimes overwhelming time for children. In the Saplings room, the children are quickly calmed and centered with the ceremonious lighting of our candles on the nature tray. They love this at lunch and we are lighting the candles for morning snack, as well! The children are excited to observe the new pigs as we can easily see them from our classroom windows! We took a stroll in the cold air to see them up close! There were screams of delight from many!

The past few months have been very busy for Kinder. There is so much learning that takes place each day. It has been a joy to watch these children learn and grow.
A WECKMANN AND NIKOLAUS RECIPE Quantities for 10 Weckmaenner or Nikolause.
Ingredients:
1 Cup Milk
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
Grated peel from 1 lemon
1/2 oz (One package or 2.1/4 teaspoons) rapid yeast
3 tablespoons warm, not hot, water
4 eggs
6.2/3 cups flour
1 well beaten egg yolk for glazing
Raisins and pieces of nut for decoration
Directions:
Mix...

Meal time is an important part of our day. I always make a point to sit with the children as they eat, whether it be snack or lunch. Things can get pretty messy with toddlers. Self feeding, with our without utensils, proves for an interesting meal. What is important, however, is the fact that they get to help clean up. They scrape their dishes clean into the slop bucket, they help wash the table, sweep the floor. For them, it's important work. Sure, we may have to go behind and actually "clean" the space, but it is the act of doing that is so important to them.
...